Summary

Chapter 1 begins in the middle of an internal monologue from the main character and protagonist, Liborio, as he approaches another boy whom he plans on attacking for harassing a neighborhood girl whom he refers to as “the chickadee.” Liborio comes up from behind the girl’s aggressor and kicks him in the ankle, causing him to fall down onto the pavement. Liborio begins hitting the boy when another boy amidst the knot of onlookers gathering around them tells him to stop and punches him in the teeth. Liborio responds by attacking him as well, beating him easily. The crowd disbands shortly after, and Liborio checks to see if The Chickadee is alright, but she is nowhere to be seen.

After the fight, Liborio returns to the bookstore where he works. His boss, Jefe, asks him what the crowd of people across the street is...